Wrath: Aeon of Ruin

King Quake is alive, and WRATH: Aeon of Ruin is here to prove it to us. Kudos to KillPixel, which has been able to create very maze-like maps full of secret rooms, hordes of enemies who rely not only on numerical superiority but also have an intelligence that guides them to encircle us and catch us from behind, and a range of weapons that really give the impression of doing harm. The only drawback is a certain sluggishness in the controls, especially in using the dash in the air to jump a little farther. Be aware that this is a very difficult game, and advancing will be a challenge, but isn't that exactly what boomer shooters are supposed to be?

Almost every single one of the so-called "boomer shooters" tends to focus almost entirely on fast, high-octane action. WRATH: Aeon of Ruin fools you by thinking it's the same as them but it isn't. Oh, sure, it has plenty combat to satiate your need for killing evil things with cool weapons, but you are also meant to soak into its strong dark fantasy atmosphere, and spend hours exploring its beautiful, vast realms. While it has its flaws, with chief among them its needlessly large maps, it's safe to call this trip back to the magic of the past a modern classic of the genre.

WRATH: Aeon of Ruin is a very fun time, but it's not for everyone. You’ll find expansive levels and worthy challenges to conquer for those willing and ready to face what it offers.

Despite being stuck in development hell for years, Wrath: Aeon of Ruin more or less achieves what it meant to and poses itself as a history course for the FPS genre by taking the older gamers to the past and bringing the past to the newer gamers.

WRATH: Aeon of Ruin channels the original Quake and fills its levels with interesting guns and gross enemies. Combat feels great - especially the shotgun - and there's a lot of content to sink your teeth into, though it feels a little formulaic by the end. The limited save system is quite the misstep, but doesn't detract from the fun too much.